Frequently Asked Questions
Please click on the links below to jump questions and answers for your topic of interest.
Questions About Adoption
- Where do these pets come from?
- Are these pets healthy?
- Why does Animal Aid We prefer to adopt kittens in pairs, with another cat, or to a home with a kitten-tolerant resident cat?
- Why should I give you a donation if I adopt from you – aren't you getting those pets for nothing? I could get a free kitten from Craig's List!
- What exactly is a S.T.A.R. pet?
- What is this "lifetime return policy" for adopted pets?
- I turned in my application ages ago – why is it taking so long?
Where do these pets come from?
Our mission is to help all animals, but we choose to focus first on the ones that are most needy. To our organization, this translates to helping and housing strays and those that we can save from certain death in high kill-rate shelters. We also are periodically contacted by veterinarians and even law enforcement officials asking us to take in cats and dogs from abusive situations. Last on our list are those pets that people want to re-home. In these situations we encourage keeping the pet, and we provide advice and support to allow the guardian to do just that. If that is not possible, under certain circumstances (severe illness or death of the guardian, or other life changing situations) we will consider accepting a pet from an owner.
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Are these pets healthy?
Our animals visit a veterinarian for testing, exams, spaying or neutering (if 4 months of age or older), vaccinations and any other needed treatment. All cats offered for adoption have tested negative for FeLV and FIV.
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Why does Animal Aid prefer to adopt kittens in pairs, with another cat, or to a home with a kitten-tolerant resident cat?
Here are seven good reasons to adopt two kittens together:
- One kitten can become lonely and bored, especially if the owners are out working or at school for a good portion of the day. Boredom is the first ingredient in cooking up problem behavior.
- Two kittens socialize each other. When they play rough they let each other know how much biting is too much. They learn what is acceptable play behavior and what is unacceptable aggressive behavior. When they have a playmate their age they learn to be much better cats.
- Two kittens are less trouble than one. One lonely kitten gets into all kinds of mischief out of boredom. Two kittens keep each other entertained and out of trouble.
- It is great fun to watch two kittens play together.
- Kittens find comfort in each other – just watch them sleeping curled together.
- One kitten can easily irritate an adult cat. Some adopt a kitten when they have an older cat with the thought that the older cat will more easily accept a kitten rather than another adult cat. Not necessarily so. The kitten will want to constantly play, not knowing boundaries, and will pester the older cat until it becomes stressed.
- When you adopt two kittens you save two lives.
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Why should I give you a donation if I adopt from you – aren't you getting those pets for nothing? I could get a free kitten from Craig's List!
Well, for starters a "free kitty" isn't actually ... free. Let's compare your "free kitty" with one adopted from our shelter:
| Average Cost to you for your "Free" Kitty | Included in your Adoption from Animal Aid |
|---|---|
| New patient Vet Exam: $40.00 | Veterinary Exam |
| Spay/Neuter: $75.00 - $80.00 | Spay/Neuter |
| Testing for FeLV/FIV: $50.00 | Testing for FeLV and FIV |
| FVRCP and FeLV vaccinations: $20.00 | FVRCP and FELV vaccinations |
| Parasite Treatment (fleas, worms): $15.00 | Parasite Treatment (fleas, worms) |
| Microchip/registration: $35.00 | Microchip/registration |
| Collar: $5.00 | Collar and Name Tag |
All medical care brought up-to-date |
|
| Cat Care booklet | |
| Samples of Food and Litter | |
| Advice line | |
| Lifetime return policy | |
| Total Cost: $240.00 or more | Donation: ? |
This, of course, is based on costs associated with healthy young animals.
Because we are a no-kill shelter, the shelter population
includes older and "special
needs" pets
who may never find another home, and whose medical requirements become
increasingly expensive. Your donation helps us care for them.
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What exactly is a S.T.A.R. pet?
S.T.A.R. animals provide financial support to other Animal Aid animals through their adoption fee.
These special pets, who are always adopted quickly, Support The Animals Remaining in our care who may need many months of medical or social rehabilitation before they are adopted. The S.T.A.R. pets all have a set adoption fee, specified on their personal display page.
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What is the "lifetime return policy" for adopted pets?
The adoption contract states that you agree to return the pet directly to Animal Aid if a major life change makes it impossible for you to keep the pet in your home. Any donation you made earlier would not be returned.
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I turned in my application ages ago – why is it taking so long?
There are several factors that will affect the speed with which we can handle your adoption request:
- Was information you filled in complete and verifiable?
- How many applications are we looking at for the same pet?
- Who do we have available to work on it? Bear in mind that most of our adoption counselors also work full-time jobs elsewhere.
Questions About Spaying/Neutering My Pet
- When should I spay my cat Fluffy?
- But my pet is special! Can you give me one good reason that I should have it altered?
- Where can I find more information on this topic?
- Are there programs that can help me pay for the surgery?
When should I spay my cat Fluffy?
If Fluffy is over four months old, NOW. An unspayed female cat over 5 months old can produce multiple litters per year (yes, she can become pregnant while she is still nursing), and if each of those begin reproducing at age five months.... You don't want to hear our tales of abandoned kittens nursing their own kittens.
Remember that the act of procreation is not something Fluffy does with joy – we're talking straight hormones here. Think "unbearable itch" rather than "pleasurable act". And Springtime is the worst.
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But my pet is special! Can you give me one good reason that I should have it altered?
How about we give you ten excellent reasons instead?
| The Excuse | The Reality |
|---|---|
| Just one litter, and then we'll have Fluffy spayed. | Studies show that virtually the entire pet over-population stems from the "just one litter" mentality. |
| My cat doesn't run loose, so he doesn't need to be fixed. | Murphy's Law says otherwise. |
| We always find homes for our cats' kittens. | And that means that an equal number of kittens at the shelters will be killed. We hope you have a lot of cat-loving friends, since your cat can produce litters several times per year. And don't dawdle in placing them – unneutered/spayed siblings WILL mate as soon as they are physically mature. |
| I want the children to witness the miracle of birth. | RENT A VIDEO! |
| My cat is so cute and unique, there should be more of her. | The shelters and pounds are full of unique cats, most with only a few days to live. |
| It's not natural! | There hasn't been anything "natural" about cats since we began to develop breeds thousands of years ago. |
| A female cat or dog should have at least one litter for health reasons. | Medically, factually, and ethically indefensible. |
| Neutering/spaying cats make them fat and lazy. | Too much food and not enough exercise makes a cat fat and lazy. |
| "Fixing" my cat will change its personality. | The primary influence on an animal's personality is the kindness and care with which it is raised. |
| Well, I just can't afford it. | There are local organizations who are dedicated to helping you fulfill this important responsibility. CLICK HERE to learn about them. |
Questions About the Heartstring Program
- What happens if my sponsored animal gets adopted?
- What if my life changes and I have to discontinue my sponsorship?
- What do you mean by “best care”?
- Does my sponsorship go to the care of just my chosen pet?
- What will you do with the personal information I supply?
- What do I get in return for a sponsorship in the Heartstrings program?
- Can I visit my chosen pet?
- Can I bring my pet a little something extra when I visit?
- Is my donation tax deductible?
- I have more questions – who should I contact?
- I left a message on the phone line and emailed you, but I haven’t heard back from you yet. What do you mean by "as quickly as possible"?
What happens if my sponsored animal gets adopted?
We know you are as happy as we are that someone has fallen in love with your sponsored animal, but it does leave a little hole in your heart. Not to worry, we’ll work with you to select another animal to sponsor. If you do not wish to continue in the program, any monies already donated cannot be returned. However, you may discontinue your reoccurring payments.
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What if my life changes and I have to discontinue my sponsorship?
Not to worry. We understand that life is complicated and unforeseen events can occur that may necessitate the end of your sponsorship. If this happens, please e-mail the Heartstrings coordinator at heartstrings@AnimalAidPDX.org that you are no longer able to participate in the program. No monies can be refunded, however, you may discontinue any remaining reccuring payments – just remember to do it the next payment is drawn from your account.
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What do you mean by “best care?”
All proceeds go to providing food, medicine, veterinary care, cat litter, grooming tools, and daily care including a warm, safe, comfortable place for your sponsored pet to live while awaiting adoption.
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Does my sponsorship go to the care of just my chosen pet?
No, your contributions are pooled to provide benefits and services for ALL of the needy animals in our care. Your kindness and generosity will touch each one of these precious pets.
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What will you do with the personal information I supply?
We understand the need to keep personal information private and protected. Please be aware that Animal Aid has a strict privacy policy that protects our donors’ information. Under no circumstance do we sell, exchange or otherwise share the information you provide to us.
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What do I get in return for a sponsorship in the Heartstrings program?
It’s always nice to get something for your efforts, isn’t it? Well, with a donation of $25 or more, you (or your designated recipient) will receive a Certificate of Appreciation along with a photo of the chosen pet. You will also receive an e-mail expressing our gratitude and a little commentary from your sponsored pet. If you started your participation via the United States Postal Service, your thank-you letter will arrive in a similar fashion via the USPS, along with your Certificate of Appreciation and photo. And finally, you have the option of not receiving an acknowledgement of your donation or to remain anonymous. It’s your call.
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Can I visit my chosen pet?
You are welcome, and encouraged, to visit your sponsored cat at Animal Aid during regular shelter hours. All of the dogs and a few cats are in foster homes. If you are interested in adopting one of the pets in foster care, please complete an adoption application, and a "meet and greet" visit can be scheduled.
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Can I bring my pet a little something extra when I visit?
Yes, feel free to bring in a care package for your special pet (who will generously share treats and toys with their furry friends).
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Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, Animal Aid is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Upon receipt of your donation, you will receive an acknowledgement letter or email with the necessary documentation for reporting your donation to the IRS. As required by the IRS, the letter will contain the donor’s name, the donation amount, the date of the donation, the all-important phrase that the IRS looks for “received no goods or services in exchange,” and our organization name: Animal Aid, Inc. and Tax ID: 23-7448353.
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I have more questions about this program – who can I contact?
If you do not find an answer to your question here, please email us at . We will get back to you as quickly as possible.
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I left a message on the phone line and emailed you, but I haven’t heard back from you yet. What do you mean by "as quickly as possible"?
We are very thankful for your interest in helping these special pets, and make every effort to get back to you within 24 hours of your inquiry. Animal Aid is a volunteer-based organization, with the Heartstrings program entirely run by volunteers; we appreciate your understanding that we may not always be able to get back to you immediately .